The community pharmacists' opinion regarding pharmacist as immunizers for expanding their role and service in Thailand

Abstract

Background: Many countries have permitted community pharmacists to administer vaccines to increase the immunization rate. The policy of Thailand has recently expanded and permitted pharmacists to play a role in immunization. Aim: The objective of this study was to survey the opinion and readiness of community pharmacists as immunizers. Methods: This study was a prospective, mixed-methods questionnaire and semi-structured interview. The study included community pharmacists in Hatyai, Songkhla, Thailand. A Likert scale questionnaire to evaluate readiness, opinions, and barriers to providing vaccines was distributed online. The volunteer pharmacists were interviewed about their opinions, distress, and benefits of vaccination services. Findings: An online survey was completed by 146 pharmacists, and 12 community pharmacists agreed to be interviewed. More than 65% of respondents agreed that vaccination services in community pharmacies are easily accessible to patients. Approximately 46% of pharmacist respondents were willing to be immunizers, and 45% of respondents showed readiness with the availability of pharmacy space for handling vaccinations, their storage, and disposing of sharp objects. Almost all of the respondents showed readiness with knowledge of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) and management. However, most of the concerns were vaccine administration skills, the conflict with other professionals, and the cost of setup and management. The pharmacists required training in vaccine administration skills before providing the service. Conclusions: The community pharmacies were willing and ready to provide vaccination services for the National List of Essential Vaccines. Vaccine administration skills were the main barriers to vaccination. The training should be done in faculty classes or workshops.